White's Bodyworks provides classic motorcycle restoration and recommissioning from our workshop in West Sussex.
We work on older and specialist motorcycles ranging from complete restoration projects to sympathetic recommissioning, where the aim is to preserve as much of the original bike as possible while returning it to reliable use.
Every project is assessed individually, taking into account the bike's condition, originality, previous work, parts availability and what you want from the finished machine.
Classic motorcycle restoration can involve anything from repairing one problem area to stripping and rebuilding the bike in detail.
Depending on the project, work can include:
We can undertake a complete project or selected stages where an owner is carrying out part of the restoration themselves.
Not every classic motorcycle needs to be fully restored.
A complete but long-stored bike may be far better suited to careful recommissioning, retaining its existing paint, trim and patina while making the mechanical and safety-related systems reliable again.
Recommissioning can involve:
The aim is to do what the motorcycle actually needs rather than automatically dismantling a sound and original bike.
Older motorcycles do not always benefit from being made to look brand new.
Original paint, aged finishes, factory fittings and period modifications can all form part of the character and history of a bike.
Where possible, we assess whether components can be repaired, cleaned or preserved before replacing or refinishing them.
If a full cosmetic restoration is appropriate, we can also reproduce period-style finishes and coordinate specialist motorcycle paintwork and resprays.
The level of restoration is agreed around the individual machine rather than applying the same standard to every project.
Classic motorcycles often present problems that are less common on modern bikes.
Parts may be difficult to source, previous repairs can complicate the job and original components may need rebuilding rather than simply replacing.
We can help with suitable mechanical, electrical and structural work as part of a restoration, including sourcing original, used or reproduction parts where available.
If the motorcycle needs a specific fault repaired rather than wider restoration work, see our motorcycle repair service.
Where frame alignment is a concern following accident damage, our motorcycle frame straightening service covers measurement and suitable corrective work.
View more of our recent projects.
